Aboo Sittee Lane
Aboo Sittee Lane, or Lorong Abu Siti, is a road on the outer city of George Town. It was named after Abu Siti, the late 19th century leader of Bangsawan, a street opera, because his house used to be there. The name "Bangsawan", which means "nobility" is believed to have been given by Tunku Kudin. During an age where there was still no television, street operas and wandering theatres are a popular form of entertainment that drew a following not only among the Malays, but also the Chinese population.
The Bangsawan opera traces its roots among the Indian Muslims. Indeed Abu Siti was also known by the nickname Mamak Pushi. His Bangsawan troupe, the Kumpulan Pusi Indera-Bangsawan, was formed in the 1890's and staged a touring concert throughout Malaya and Indonesia.
Among the Chinese, Aboo Sittee Lane was known as Samseng Hang, or Gangster Alley, because it was where Chinese hooligans used to group there.
Getting there
Rapid Penang Bus 10, 11, 103 and 104 pass by Jalan Burma. From the bus stop, walk to Lorong Abu Siti.
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In Other Words ...
In Hokkien: Samseng Hang (Gangster Alley)
In Malay: Lorong Pushi (Street Opera Lane)
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Aboo Sittee Lane Location Map
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